Perfect Rice Cooker

Cooking rice in a Crock-Pot sounds unusual, but it’s a genuinely useful trick when your stovetop is packed with other dishes. Butter rubbed inside the crock keeps the rice from sticking, then it’s just rice, water, and salt on high heat with an occasional stir.

The slow cooker’s gentle, even heat means less chance of scorching the bottom, which is the most common problem with stovetop rice. The butter coating adds a subtle richness and creates a nonstick layer that makes cleanup easy.

This is especially handy for holidays or big meals when every burner is occupied. Set it and come back in about 90 minutes to fluffy rice, ready to serve.

Pro Tips

• Follow your rice package for the exact water ratio. Different rice types absorb different amounts. Long grain typically uses 2 cups water per 1 cup rice.
• Stir occasionally to prevent clumping, but don’t overdo it. Too much stirring breaks the grains and makes the rice gummy.
• Rub the butter generously across the bottom and an inch up the sides. The edges are where rice sticks most.
• Check doneness at 90 minutes. Slow cookers vary in temperature and older models may run hotter or cooler.